NEWS

Cycling for children with disability

TMS Lesotho High Altitude Cycle Challenge 2014

Following the success of the previous two years, a team at Trollope Mining Services decided to take on the epic challenge of cycling across the mountainous landscape of Lesotho in the name of charity, and in particular for children with disabilities – now for a third time, and with great success!

What has become known to be a mentally, physically and emotionally challenging journey for every cyclist brave enough sign up involved a slightly different route this year, commencing once again at the Caledonspoort border post near Fouriesburg and ending at Katse Lodge on Katse Dam, with a total distance covered of approximately 230km over three days. This new route would prove to not only present the team with a whole new set of challenges, but also, if at all possible, to offer even more breath-taking scenery than the ones before.

What makes this cycle challenge unique is the fact that it takes place at extremely high altitudes, the highest point above sea level on route being 11 000 feet, effecting not only performance levels due to lack of oxygen but also recovery time and dehydration rates. Extremely steep gradients, poor road conditions and constant temperature variations also take their toll on body and mind, but the awe-inspiriting beauty of the Lesotho landscape rewards perseverance time and time again!

Completing this epic challenge is a great achievement for every cyclist. One that would not be possible without the unfailing support offered by the phenomenal backup team focused on making sure that a constant supply of drinks, food, snacks, extra kit, sun screen, medical supplies, moral support and spare parts is available at all times.

Thanks to the commitment and passion of those involved in putting together this incredible event for a third time, all the brave cyclists who signed up for the challenge as well as the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, the team managed not only to complete this epic three day journey successfully and in great spirits, but also to surpass the set target for funds to be raised with the final number of R 1 280 700.00.

With the focus placed on children with disabilities for this year’s challenge, TMS has identified three worthy charity organizations with whom we will be partnering in order to improve the lives of children living with disabilities and their families.

The first charity to benefit is the Smile Foundation, which is a South African non-governmental organisation with a holistic health care vision for parents and children with facial conditions. The foundation works in partnership with the country’s Academic Hospitals to put the smile back onto children’s faces with free corrective facial reconstructive surgery and treatments. TMS will be donating the amount of R351 000 towards this cause.

Secondly we have chosen to work with the 94.7 Bidvest Hear For Life Trust, an initiative that was established by 94.7 Highveld Stereo in partnership with Bidvest in December 2005 and aims to assist less fortunate children in need of cochlear implant surgery. R549 000.00 will be donated towards making two of these cochlear implant surgeries possible.

The third charity to benefit from this year’s challenge is known as the Sunshine Association, which is a dynamic, progressive and innovative non-profit organisation working in the field of intellectual disabilities in children. Their diverse range of services and developments are a direct response to the needs identified in various communities, and R380 700.00 will be donated towards helping them construct a hydro pool at a chosen facility.

Trollope Mining Services would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person involved in this challenge for their contribution to its success. Once again the experience proved to be as rewarding for everybody taking part as for the families and children who will benefit from the funds raised.